It feels like only a few months ago that I was writing a blog post on how to dress in hot weather.

I live in Northeast Georgia where the humidity combines with high temperatures in the summer to create a sort of permanent outdoor steam room. In the winter, though, we may dip down to freezing a few times and scatter some snowflakes every three years for the fun of it.

I feel incredibly lucky that I don’t live somewhere cold currently, but seen that side of the weather spectrum too.

Surviving in negative 40-degree weather in Upstate New York is one thing. Looking fashionable in said icebox is a whole other thing.

I’ve had the privilege of living everywhere from New York to Arizona and quite a few places in between (helloooo Iowa!) Most of these places were cold as an iceberg during the winter and, much against my will, this Georgia girl learned how to dress for the winter- and dress well.

Here are the top tips I learned from working in the fashion industry in unbearably cold places:

1. Just one coat won’t cut it

Living in the South, you can get away with having one or two coats: one navy peacoat for casual settings and/or a fitted black coat for more formal affairs. Try having two coats somewhere cold and it’s like bringing one bathing suit on a three-month cruise. Outerwear is basically innerwear. I know innerwear isn’t a word, but you get the idea. You basically need almost as many coats and bulky sweaters. Your new innerwear outerwear isn’t just keeping you warm, it’s a vital part of your outfit.

Coats are a lot like shoes- you need a basic black pair, a practical pair, a fun pair, a serious pair…you get the idea. If you find coats to be rather boring, you’re in luck. This year is all about the statement coat…and they are everywhere at all price points. I recommend splurging on your daily classic pieces (psst. here are 20 classic pieces every woman needs in her wardrobe) and then spending less on a few fun statement coats like these:

2. Hosiery isn’t dead

Sometimes I feel like the only millennial that wears hosiery, but I’m totally okay with that. Why? Because my legs are way warmer than your legs. Seriously though. Don’t underestimate the magic of tights. Most tights these days are quite comfortable and they can add a little extra to any outfit. You’d be surprised how much warmer a pair of strategically layered tights (think: under your jeans!) is than your normal work ensemble. Here are some of my favorite outfits styled with tights.

3. Choose your fabrics wisely

Here’s something fun to think about: One wool sweater can be warmer than 2 cotton ones. Why? The nature of the fabric. Different fabrics are better (or worse) at helping your body regulate it’s temperature and stay warm. In the hot weather blog post, I wrote about which fabrics work best for hot weather…this time the tables are turned. Here are the best fabrics for staying warm:

4. Layer away!

I’m not going to lie, layering is tricky. Sloppy layering can make you look like a homeless vagabond while strategic layering can make you look like an Olsen twin. What’s worse is that layering is essential especially in today’s workplace. In the overly temperature controlled boxes we work in, the office may feel like Bermuda while it’s blizzarding just outside the window. How does one even begin to dress for that sort of situation…let alone dress well? The answer is layering. Being able to peel off layers and still look work appropriate (and fashionable!) is a skill that anyone can master. Here’s a whole blog post on my magic formula for creating the perfect layers.

There’s something about clothing this time of year that is just…entrancing. I’m not sure if it’s the glitter and shine or the extra details (bows, lace, and sequins Oh my!) that suck us in or the general fury of spending money.

Not only do you have so many more shiny and pretty clothes to buy this time of year, but you actually have a reason to wear them: holiday parties. Whether it’s a work party, Christmas or Channukah party, or New Year’s Party- you have a legit excuse to go shopping.

Between all the glittery options and the valid reasons to sport said glittery options, we sometimes get a little out of control and don’t make the best decisions. Have you ever bought a dress that ‘was totally not you’ just because you felt like you needed to wear sequins on New Years? Or what about that red shiny sweater you wore once before you realized you don’t even look good in red?

It happens to the best of us. My goal this year is that it doesn’t happen to you- at least when it comes to wearing clothes that look good on your body shape.

I’m going to go through the top 5 body shapes (not sure which one you are? Take the quiz here) and give you Holiday outfit ideas that will not only look great on you but also look good long after the Holiday buzz has worn off.

Enjoy.

Pear:

Pears have wider bottom halves (hips and booty), a defined waist, and a smaller top half. The best outfits and accessories for pears accentuate their top halves. That means statement jewelry and eye-catching tops are your best friends.

Rectangle

Rectangles usually have equal width hips, waist, and shoulders resulting in a straight up and down athletic look. Rectangle shapes are wonderful for maximalists because they can get away with things like full skirts, puffy sleeves, and glitter galore.

Hourglass

Hourglass shapes have a smaller, defined waist and equal width shoulders and hips. Because they are so amazingly curvy, they need to stay away from loose, sack styles. This is a great time to show off those curves, so choose more bodycon silhouettes.

Inverted Triangle

Inverted triangles have wider shoulders and more narrow hips and waist. The best outfits for inverted triangles are the ones that bring all the attention to their bottom halves. Full skirts, fun pants, and statement shoes are all great options.

Apple

Apples usually have undefined waists that are wider than their hips and shoulders. Apples usually have killer legs and a great decolletage. For these reasons, they’ll want to find clothing and accessories that accent their legs and neck area rather than their middle. Apples usually look really great in wrap blouses and dresses.

Did you know? I have a full e-course that is dedicated to helping you figure out exactly what looks great on you! It’s called the Ultimate #STYLE Course, and you might just want to add this to your Holiday Gift List. More info here.

White boots: arguably the most popular and terrifying trend to try this Fall/Winter/Next Spring and Summer.

The popular part you get; white boots are all over blogs, style mavens, and *gasp* even some brave ‘average’ people. Terrifying might need a bit more of an explanation.

Some trends are easy to pick up and run with. One such example of this is plaid. (In fact, I did a whole post on plaid outfits for every age- from Target!) White boots, on the other hand, are a bit more daunting. What should you wear them with? What should you NOT wear them with? How does this work with the whole ‘don’t wear white after labor day’ rule? (Hint: that’s a rule you buck in this case)

There are questions, I know. But I’m here to give you my top tips on wearing white boots and maybe even give you enough inspiration to go out and try your hand (foot?) at this season’s biggest footwear fetish.

Tip 1: Don’t put away your cropped pants just yet.

It’s not every season that you get to wear a pair of stunning white boots (they were last really in style in the ’60s!!) so you might as well show them off!

Tip #2: Keep the rest of your outfit simple.

If you’re worried about pulling off the white boot look, the biggest advice I can give you is to keep it simple. You know those basics every woman should have in her closet? This is where they pay off big time. If you pair the boots with neutral solids (or even classic prints like this plaid), you can’t go wrong.

Tip #3: Don’t be afraid to spice it up.

If you’re feeling a little more daring, try adding a statement coat (another big trend for Fall) or channeling the ’60s with a modern mini-dress.

One of the things I love most about the white boot trend is how perfectly it is going to go right into spring and summer. If you’ve been around here long, you know I don’t like to wear anything just once (not even my wedding dress!) and this trend will probably be around for a few seasons.

Have you bought a pair of white boots? How do you wear them? Tell me in the comments!

The most common woe clients come to me with goes like this: “I don’t want to look frumpy because I feel young, but I also don’t want to look like my 16-year-old daughter.”

These middle-aged women are often vibrant, active, and far from looking like how their mothers did at the same age. But, it’s one thing to feel young and another thing to dress young.

Here are four easy ways to strike a balance between frumptastic and teenager.

Stay out of the juniors department(and stores specifically geared at teens).

This one sounds easy, but it can be challenging. Have you ever wandered into the juniors department thinking, “oh, that’s cute” without even realizing where you were? This happens all the time to me at Target. (Speaking of Target, did you read about what happened when I picked out plaid outfits for every age there?) One minute you’re looking at work attire and then you’ve crossed the invisible line to juniors clothing. Additionally, try to avoid stores that are geared directly at teens like Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle, Forever 21, etc. While you can find suitable items in these places, it’s much easier to pick out age-appropriate items in a place like Banana Republic than H&M.

2. Let quality and fit be your guide

Clothes designed for teenagers are made poorly. Companies know that teens and young adults rotate through clothing more rapidly than other age groups, so they don’t spend as much time and money on quality. If you can’t tell whether you’re in the juniors department or not, just ask yourself, “how well is this made?”

Choosing well-made clothing is going to make you look more age appropriate because it will actually fit you well. Designers go through lots of measures to make sure their clothing fits their target market properly. That’s why Aeropostale fits one way while Talbots fits another. If an item is too tight, too short, and generally ill-fitting you will look like you stole clothes from your daughter’s closet. On the other hand, if the fit is baggy and ill-fitting in the too big direction, you will look older.

Did you know? Every brand has someone called a ‘fit model’ who works for them. The fit model is a woman (or in the case of menswear- a man) who is the exact measurement of that brand’s average size (usually a medium or 6/8). All of the clothes for that brand are based on the body shape of the fit model- and they aren’t always perfect hourglasses. That is why J. Crew fits better on rectangle shaped women and Talbots looks better on apple shaped ladies. Not sure what shape you are? Take the quiz here!

3. Look for the word: Contemporary

Many nice department stores like Saks, Barneys, Bergdorfs, etc. divide their products by floor. As a result, you’re likely to step into an elevator and be given options like ‘beauty, shoes, contemporary, designer…” If you don’t understand what defines and differentiates floors like contemporary and designer then you’re already fighting an uphill battle before you’ve begun.

Essentially, contemporary is the way to say ‘current’ without saying ‘trendy’. Contemporary clothing is trendy clothing designed for adults rather than teens (that would be the juniors dept.) In a department store like Saks, contemporary clothing is less expensive (though certainly not cheap) and more current and mainstream. It’s not just big department stores that use the word contemporary. Forever 21 uses it to describe their more modern, looser fit collection (which fits more like…forever 31). Current but not trendy is exactly what will make you look your age and these pieces are often categories as ‘contemporary’.

4. Stay current with silhouettes, not patterns

Loud patterns, bright colors, and offbeat prints will all make you look younger, but not necessarily in a good way. Instead of dressing younger through patterns, do it by keeping your silhouettes in style. That may sound hard, but intuitively you know the difference between a black suit from the 80’s and one from today. The silhouette of today’s black suit is going to be more modern. This is especially important if you are super petite and have to shop in Juniors or Children sections!

When you look through magazines or are window shopping, try focusing on the shape of garments rather than colors and prints. Are boxy jackets everywhere? What about pleated skirts? This will clue you into what is currently in style and allow you to choose colors that may be more age appropriate. With that being said- never buy anything you don’t love or love the way it looks on you! Not all trends and ‘modern silhouettes’ will look good on you and that’s okay. The basic garments that make up your wardrobe should all work well with your body type. Update those garments as they come into style and add trendy pieces only when they work with your wardrobe (and your body!).

Lastly-

If you’re still in doubt whether an item or an outfit is ‘too old’ or ‘too young’ for you, I always recommend erring on the side of caution; don’t purchase or wear the item/outfit until you can get a second opinion from someone you trust!

Dressing appropriately for your age can be tricky. In fact, I created a whole lesson in The Ultimate #STYLE E-Course that addresses just that issue because it’s so commonly asked about! For the complete guide of style tips, including how to dress for your body type, how to wear jewelry, and how to style scarves, click on The Ultimate #STYLE Course link above.

I’m not sure which I’m more excited about: the adorable Kate Spade Bon Shopper bag in Flamingo Dot or the fact that I’m giving it away to one of y’all! Eek!

I usually do one giveaway a year, and this year I’ve chosen a Kate Spade bag. Real quick, before I tell you how to style it (and how to win it!), I want to tell you WHY I love it so much.

Why this bag is awesome:

It’s so versatile. You’ll see below how good it looks with everything from sequins to sneakers.

The pattern and coloring is a modern, feminine take on an animal print (making it feel fresh and not frumpy).

It’s so roomy. You can easily put a laptop, change of clothes, or even a small dog in it!

Keep scrolling to see how to style and win the bag.

Below, you’ll see the 6 ways I’ve styled the bag and how to get each look. At the very bottom, you’ll have a chance to enter to win the bag, so make sure to scroll to the very end!

Enjoy!

Leslie

Ps. I’m not a model. So have fun laughing at my weird faces. And, just for a fun game, see how many times you can spot my dog Coco (answer at the end).

1. Office Chic

The Bon Shopper is a great way to liven up a boring workday outfit. If you’re like me and have at least 20 black dresses in your closet, raise your hand. This is the bag that is going to make those little black dresses, and all your other wardrobe essentials, a little more exciting.

The bag is big enough for a laptop, but still somewhat formal enough to wear with a power suit. It might not be appropriate in a court of law, but it does work well in your everyday office setting.

Get the look:

2. Casual Eclectic

A boxy, mockneck tee and distressed boyfriend jeans keep this look casual, while embroidered bow stockings, heels, and a mound of necklaces class up the outfit and give it personality.

I would definitely wear this outfit to a gallery opening or wine tasting. It’s visually interesting, but not crazy. I’m keeping everything pretty monochromatic so that the pink of the bag really makes a statement.

Get the look:

3. Print Possessed

I’m not going to lie. This outfit is pretty adventurous, but I love it. I’m wearing wide leg, houndstooth trousers from Tibi and an animal print dress. Yes, that actually is a mini dress and not a shirt! The hat is from Walmart (for realz) and the shoes have poms on them. There’s a lot going on here, but because of the tight color scheme and different size prints, it all works.

Did you know? Animal prints are one of the top 8 trends for Fall 2018. Click here to see the other 7.

Playing with volume has got to be one of my all-time favorite things to do.

Get the look:

Btw- for whatever reason, houndstooth and plaid do not like digital screens so those prints will always look a little wonky on computer screens. If anyone knows why this is (or even better, how to prevent it) let a sista know!

4. Classically Inclined

This is a typical Fall/Winter outfit for me: cashmere sweater, scarf, jeans, and riding boots. Because the pink of the bag is subtle (it can actually look like a bone color), it goes just as well with black as it does brown. I could easily have on brown riding boots for this outfit. It’s hard to tell in this photo, but the scarf actually has a lot of the same light pink in it which gives the outfit color and ties it back to the bag.

Did you know?: Fuschia pink, wine/oxblood red, and blush pink (like the color of the bag) all look good with each other- just as long as you ground them in neutrals!

Get the look:

5. Funky Formal

You literally can’t make a bad outfit with this skirt. Sequins, much like animal print, can act like a neutral. Once again though, it’s a good idea to keep your color palette tight when you’re mixing lots of prints and textures.

Get the look:

6. Spin Chic

Let’s be honest, I don’t actually go to spin classes. I do, however, know how to rock the athleisure trend. Isn’t it so cool how this bag looks just as good with yoga pants as it does a little black dress?

Get the look:

And finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Simply enter your email in the form below to win the Kate Spade Bon Shopper from this blog post.

Did you count the Coco’s? How many did you find? (Answer: Coco was in three pictures including the one above)

Plaid is a huge trend this Fall and here are just a few reasons why I love it (and think you should too):

1. It’s classic. If you don’t believe me, just look at Burberry. They are proof that a plaid can stay fashionable for decades (when done right, of course).

2. Any age can wear plaid! Continue reading to see how.

When I was prepping for this post, I considered all the different ways I could show outfits for every age. I thought about just collaging pictures of outfits together online, but that seemed so…unrelatable (and a little boring).

So instead, I decided to go to everyone’s favorite store, Target and put together plaid outfits. That means that all the pictures below are made from clothing exclusively from my local store (Athens, Georgia, if you’re wondering).

It was a bit difficult to bring in a million outfits and accessories into the dressing rooms, so I left the purses and jewelry in the cart. As someone who has worked in retail, I know that bringing bags and jewelry into a dressing room is the #1 way to steal them, and I didn’t want the attendant worrying about what I was doing. With that said, I’ll put links to my favorite bags at the end, because they had some really good ones!

Without further ado…

Plaid in your 20’s:

There were tons of 20’s and younger plaid options at Target. The brand Wild Fable had no shortage of plaid tops, bottoms, jackets, jumpsuits- you name it, they had it. I chose some blue plaid cropped pants and paired it with a sleeveless hoodie and motorcycle jacket. Sneakers would have been perfect to complete this look, but I didn’t have any, so I just wore the shoes I wore to the store.

I was a little leery of the pants (I don’t exactly make the 20’s age bracket) but they were actually surprisingly comfortable because of their elastic waistband and stretchy material.

Main point: there are lots of fun plaids out there; have fun!

Ps. Want to know more about dressing in your 20’s? I wrote this blog post just for YOU!

Plaid in your 30’s:

This cropped, plaid jumpsuit number was pretty amazing. It could easily look too young (it has spaghetti straps and is made from a cheaper fabric), so I kept the look minimal and sophisticated with a long black cardigan and white booties. I would add some long necklaces to finish off the look.

Main point: Match ‘younger’ looking plaid garments with more sophisticated basics (psst: here are the best basics for your body shape).

Plaid in your 40’s:

Take plaid to work with you this season. There were at least two different plaid blazers (which seems like a lot for one store) at Target. I chose the brighter option (the other jacket was grey plaid) and paired it with black dress pants and black loafers. I love the menswear look, and I think this combination looks particularly good on women in their 40’s. It has sort of a demure power thing going on…like you spent the night at your boyfriend CEO’s and wore (and rocked) his clothes. Except there is no boyfriend and you’re the CEO.

Main point: purchase something plaid that will make you feel (and look) like a boss. You won’t regret it.

Plaid in your 50’s:

This is a bit more dressed up of a look, but I think it still holds true to a sort of refined aesthetic. The lightweight blouse and pleated skirt are forgiving but still ladylike and very flattering. A pearl studded belt gives it a little more edge and makes the booties really pop. It’s an outfit that simultaneously commands respect and attention.

Side note: this skirt was too big for me, so I’m holding it up and holding the belt on at the same time. Fun times! Haha.

Main point: Add plaid into your wardrobe in a refined way and it will look classy rather than trendy.

Plaid in your 60’s:

If you’re in your 60’s (or beyond) and living the retired life, this outfit is for you. Casual and comfortable but not too trendy. A classic plaid button down is worn open over a fitted (but not tight!) pair of wide leg jeans. The outfit is finished off with tan flats and (although not shown) would look great with a long necklace.

Main point: Comfy doesn’t have to be frumpy. Choose clothes that fit your body and flatter your shape.

Keep reading to see my favorite handbags from Target this season (and picking favorites was HARD because I loved them all!!)

Lastly, I wanted to share my favorite bags at Target. I have always been a big fan of Target purses because you can buy a really expensive looking purse for next to nothing. They obviously aren’t as durable and well made as a true designer handbag, but they are about $2000 cheaper, so that has to count for something!

I know you’ve heard people say it. Come to think of it, I think I’ve said it before!

But being in your 20’s isn’t easy for a multitude of reasons- not the least of which being fashion related.

You’re in this weird transition point in your life between college and ‘real life’ (aka: working). You have the body to dress however you want, but you need to look respectable at some point (like…when you’re going to work). Striking that balance isn’t easy. Oh, and bonus points: you probably have no money.

Given all that, how do you dress in your 20’s? How do you look professional without looking frumpy? How do you buy career clothes? How tight is too tight?

No worries 20-somethings! I have you covered. Here are the top 3 things you should focus on when it comes to clothes in your 20’s.

1. Focus on the basics

Think about what you wore in college. Sweatpants and baggy t-shirts to class? Skin tight dresses to clubs? Those clothes might have been comfy and convenient, but were they really you, or just what everyone else was wearing? Did they actually look good on you, or was it just the current trend? I can’t even tell you how many outfits I wore that were ‘the cool thing to wear’ which looked absolutely horrible on me.

It’s time to start thinking about what actually looks good on you, works for your lifestyle, and sends the message you want to send (see #3). Depending on the job you have after college, you may feel like your wardrobe is starting over from scratch. That’s okay. This is the perfect time for you to get back to the basics.

Here’s how to start upgrading your basics without spending an arm and a leg:

1. Think of your current lifestyle (your job or future job, daily activities, etc.) As you go through your closet, put everything that works with your lifestyle in one area. Put everything else to the side. (Example: Let’s say you are an entry level employee at an ad agency. The clothes you would wear for work are the ones that ‘work with your lifestyle’. The clothes you never really wear anymore are the ones that get put aside.)

2. Go through the clothes that work for your lifestyle/job. What pieces do you dislike? Does that button down shirt pull at the chest? Do your dress pants fit horribly (because you needed something for the interview…TODAY!)? Do your jeans all have holes in them? Make a list of the items that are in the ‘okay for my lifestyle’ pile, but that you aren’t really wild about.

3. Reorder your list so the items you wear most often are at the top. When you have extra money, only shop for things on your list, from top to bottom! This allows you to efficiently upgrade your basics and start building a foundation for an amazing wardrobe (not just a weird mish-mash of all the trends from the last 4 years).

Not sure what basics you need?This e-book has the top 20 basics everyone needs (and it even tells you what styles will look best for you body type) no matter what sort of ‘lifestyle’ you find yourself in!

2. Play up your youth!

You may be dipping your toes into the professional world, or spending your 9 to 5 acting like you’re older than you are…but don’t forget your youth! You’re still in your 20’s which means you can get away with a lot more than other age groups. The key is knowing how far to go, and WHEN. You can still wear those skin tight dresses out to clubs, but be sure to put them away before heading to the office. You can wear the newest leopard trend to work, but choose a leopard button down shirt under a black suit for a refined look. (Want to see all the new Fall 2018 trends plus great outfit ideas?? Click here)

You don’t want to look back at your 20’s and think: “Man, I looked like I was a stripper at work” OR (equally as bad, IMO) “Man, I looked like a 60 year old at work. I wish I had been a little more adventurous with my style.”

If you’re a little unsure about what items in your closet are appropriate in what situation, see the handy chart below:

3. What message are you sending?

For many of you, your 20’s are the first decade of your life that you get to make all your decisions about who you are. During high school and college you probably tried different lifestyles, trends, and even jobs, but as you get older, you start getting more comfortable with who you are as a person. You start understanding what you like regardless of what those around you like.

AND, here’s the biggie: you start thinking about how you want the world to perceive you.

Do you want people to think you’re professional? What about fun, intelligent, or carefree?

In our 20’s we start thinking about our reputation beyond the walls of our hometown or our college campus. What do we want our boss to think about us? What about our customers? What about future friends? What message do you want to send to these people?

You know how you only get 30 characters or something to write a description on your Instagram profile? That’s pretty much what it’s like getting dressed every day in your 20’s. You have a message about yourself, a description, that you want to tell the world. How you do your hair, makeup, the clothes you choose, and even your body language act as that 30 character description. It’s the first thing people see and it’s how they decide what kind of person you are…before they even look through your Instagram page.

So, when you go shopping or get dressed, think about what message you are sending. Is it the message you really want to be sending?

I know that’s a lot to think about, but don’t worry- you’re young and have plenty of time to mull this one over.

Like this post? Pin it!

TLDR: Start building a wardrobe of clothes that look great on your body type and send the message you want to send! Oh yeah, and don’t forget to have some fun.

In an eager move to make as much money as possible from white girls, Starbucks started offering pumpkin spice lattes- before Summer can even think about being over. Do I sound bitter? I’m not bitter. [insert eye roll here]

As someone who appreciates marketing, I can respect Starbucks’ decision. As someone who loves Summer and hates every other season, I am less than thrilled.

That’s why today I’m talking all about styling your Summer clothes to work for Fall.

When you wear Summer clothes into Fall you…

1. Save money and get the most out of your clothing

2. Look seasonably appropriate

3. Get to hold on to every last bit of summer possible

Sounds like pretty much a win-win situation. Are you ready? Here are my top 3 tips (with pics, of course!) on how to transition your Summer clothes into the Autumn season.

Tip #1: Layers

Our first layering instinct is usually to put a jacket or cardigan on OVER our shirt. That’s works great, but I want to remind you of other places you can layer…specifically, UNDER your shirts and dresses.

Here, I’ve kept everything the same, except for adding a fitted sweater under the dress. I could easily switch the tennis shoes out for boots and tights if I wanted to go for a more dressed up (and cold weather) look. Tennis shoes are going to be big again this Fall. To see the other top trends of Fall 2018, click here.

A long sleeve blouse under a dress is an unexpected, yet very chic, way to dress for fall. Bonus: If it gets too hot during the day, you can always remove said shirt.

This is a simple dress that I added a button-down shirt to. I also changed out the shoes to warmer, calf-hair pumps. Adding tights or other hosiery is a good option if your legs get cold easily (or the temps drop low).

The examples above show dresses, but you can easily layer sweaters and blouses under regular shirts. One of my favorite things to do is add a fitted sweater under a loose t-shirt. It has a sort of urban casual look and it keeps me warm!

Another great way to layer is to put a sweater on OVER a dress. You’ll see an example of this in the next tip.

Hint: When you have great basics in your closet- layering is super easy. Click here to find out what 20 basics every woman needs in her closet.

Tip #2: Shoes

One of the easiest ways to make an outfit look appropriate for fall is to switch up the shoes. Trade in sandals for closed toe shoes or boots and you’ll already look more Fall-ish.

Here, I’ve switched out the summery wedges for boots and added a sweater and scarf over the dress. Fun fact: this is actually my wedding dress. I got married 7 years ago, and I’ve had so much fun experimenting with different ways to style it.

In this outfit change, I traded my sandals in for boots and added a blazer. I love white jeans and I literally wear them for as long as possible into the Fall (and *ahem* Winter).

The two examples above showcase riding boots. I absolutely love riding boots. They are not only comfortable, but they are so versatile- pairing with jeans or dresses equally as well. If you have one pair of boots, I recommend a neutral color (black or brown) riding boot. They are pretty much a fashion staple every Fall, so any shoe store should carry them. (My black pair are from DSW and the brown pair were from a thrift store!)

Tip #3: Scarves

Scarves were made for Fall and Winter. Adding a scarf to an outfit is an inexpensive and easy way to celebrate Autumn while still holding onto your summer clothes. They are also a great way to incorporate new trends without spending a lot of money! To see the new trends for Fall 2018 (plus, many more scarf outfits!) click here.

This thick, wool scarf is enough to make the outfit Fall appropriate, but I added a few more items to make the outfit more interesting. A felt hat (also very Fall), light jacket, and cowboy boots round out the ensemble and I look like I’m ready to go pumpkin picking. Another fun fact: Each Scottish clan has a unique plaid and this scarf is ‘Buchanan’ plaid, which is my maiden name and ancestry.

This is a very classic *me* outfit. There’s nothing I love more than some black and grey. I’ve kept everything the same and literally just added a blanket scarf, showing you how easy it is to look great in cold weather quickly! I actually keep a scarf like this in my car at all times in case I get cold in a restaurant or the weather changes suddenly.

Lastly, I want to leave you with my biggest tip for layering EVER. It sounds really simple, but it’s very important.

Here it is: Anytime you are layering (or even putting an outfit together) add only one piece at a time. After each piece is added, asses whether you like it with the rest of the outfit.

For example: Put on pants. Do you like the pants? If yes, then add a shirt. Decide if you like those two items together. If you do, add another item (jewelry, scarf, shoe, etc.) and if you don’t, replace the item you don’t like until you find one you do.

So many people get overwhelmed when dressing because they feel like they need the whole outfit mapped out in their head before they even get dressed. Well, that IS overwhelming! If you go garment by garment, it’s much less stressful and you’ll actually enjoy getting dressed. Like I said, it sounds simple, but I encourage you to give it a go- you won’t be let down.

Cheers!

Leslie

Ps. I am so super excited because I’ve just completed the Fall 2018 Outfits + Trends Style E-book (picture below!!!) Click here to see the e-book and get your copy today.

Love it or hate it, you still have to go to work and look like a decent human being no matter how hot and/or humid is it outside.

Although I am definitely in the #lovesummerhateeverthingelse camp with Leandra Medine, I realize that looking professional in the hot hot heat isn’t always the easiest accomplishment. That’s why I’ve decided to come up with a couple simple steps to getting dressed for work in the summer.

Step 1: Choose the right fabrics

Did you know that some fabrics can make you hotter than others? It’s true! Here’s a breakdown of what materials you should be wearing (and which you shouldn’t)

WEAR THIS:

Cotton, bamboo, and linen natural fibers. Natural fibers are ‘breathable’ meaning that they let air pass easily through them. The more air passing through the fibers, the more your body is cooled down (not to mention all the hot air isn’t stuck right next to your body). BONUS: they also dry fairly well.

Performance fabrics. These are specific fabrics that are designed to wick (aka: pull) water away from your skin and transfer it through the fabric letting it evaporate into the air. Think: your fabric yoga outfit. The tricky part is to make what is essentially work out clothes work appropriate (no fear though, I’ll show you some examples below!)

NOT THAT:

Wool. Wool’s specialty is trapping body heat which is why it’s so effective at keeping you warm in the winter. Even if you are opting for a summer sweater, be sure to choose cotton.

Anything plastic (that isn’t a performance fabric). Plastic fabrics are the worst in hot weather. Not only do they allow NO air flow, but they also take forever to dry out…meaning that you’ll sweat a lot and everyone will know. I use the term ‘plastic’ to describe these fabrics because they are literally made out of plastic (fun fact!). The most popular plastic fabrics are: polyester, acetate, and nylon. (IMPORTANT! Technically, performance fabrics are made from some of these same materials. The difference is that PF have been specially modified for athletes. A button down shirt from your local department store made from polyester IS NOT a performance fabric).

Once you have the right basics, you can build off of them for summer. Here’s an easy formula to doing just that:

1. Start with a skirt or pants (or tailored shorts if your work allows)

2. Add an undershirt (this soaks up most of the sweat, if you’re a sweater)

3. Choose a blouse that is sleeveless or short sleeve (you can stop here if you aren’t required to cover your shoulders)

4. If your dress code requires you to cover your shoulders, wear a light cardigan instead of a blazer

5. Top with fun accessories. Since you aren’t wearing as many layers, use accessories to make your outfits more interesting.

Keep reading to see outfit ideas using this formula!

Step 3: Know the tricks of the trade

When you live in a hot place, you develop ways to work around the heat (and still look professional).

Here are my favorite tips:

1. Wear an undershirt.

I know I already said this, but it really does work! There’s a relatively new company that makes ‘sweat proof’ undershirts. I have never tried them, so I can’t vouch for whether they work, but if you have tried NUMI, leave a comment below and let us know!

2. Keep things as loose as possible.

A-lines skirts > pencil skirts. Swing dress > sheath dress. Loose blouse > fitted blouse. I think you get the idea. The more air flow you have, the better things will be. To achieve a more tailored and less bohemian look, tuck in shirts, belt tops and dresses, and add fitted clothing once you get to the office. See picture below.

3. Layers are just as important in the summer as the winter.

With the summer heat also comes severe air conditioning abuse. Keeping several blazers or cardigans at work allow you to still look professional without the need to walk across the city in a suit jacket.

4. Get your hair and makeup to play along.

Wearing your hair in a nicely coifed up do not only looks professional, but it keeps it off the back of your (hot) neck. As for makeup, you need some sort of setting spray or powder. Seriously. If you don’t, your makeup will take an unfortunate pilgrimage down your face as the day goes on.

Need some outfit inspo? Check out these ideas:

(Can you tell which items are actually activewear? I’ll give you a hint: both dresses and two shirts are made from performance fabrics)

What do you love to wear in the summer when it gets hot? Tell me below in the comments!

I absolutely love packing for trips. This, in and of itself, is weird (or so I’m told). But while the rest of world dreads packing and procrastinates until the last minute, I start planning months in advance.

My goal is to pack the least amount (I almost never check a bag!) but still have enough clothes to look really stylish and appropriate for my destination. Because of that, I approach packing like a puzzle. How many outfits can I make from the least amount of clothes? How many accessories do I need to make each outfit look amazingly unique, even if I wore it the night before? And, the question that brings us to today’s topic, what is the least number of shoes I can pack? (psst. My biggest packing tip is to only pack some of the basics from your wardrobe.)

Shoes are a big deal. For one, they take up a lot of room in a suitcase. They are also extremely important when it comes to enjoying your trip. You don’t want to get blisters on the first day from bringing shoes that don’t fit well.

I just went to New York City for the weekend to meet up with my sisters. Activities included everything from walking around the Met to going out and laying out. I needed a shoe that would look great with a fancy dress, jeans, and a swimsuit. It was a tall order.

What did I end up choosing? A cute pair of black mules. The picture below is the exact pair of shoes I wore.Black Mules from Target ($24.99)

Since I had copious amounts of time in airports and cars this past weekend, I got to thinking, “Is there one shoe you could pretty much wear with anything?” The shoe above did just that, but what happens when that shoe is outdated? And that’s when I got my follow up answer; it wasn’t about the exact shoe itself so much as the type.

The picture above, is a fancy flat. If you’re not familiar with that term, don’t feel bad, I literally made it up in the Delta lounge last weekend. More on what makes a fancy flat fancy later, but I want to hit on why this type of shoe will always be around:

When that fancy flat gets outdated, another fancy flat will take it’s place.

Just think about the last couple years of fashion when it comes to flats: ballet flats were all the hit (a la Tory Burch), then loafers, and now mules. In a few years (or months) another flat will take the place of mules.

So what makes a fancy flat fancy?

So glad you asked. It’s some sort of embellishment or attribute that takes the shoe from completely casual to gussied up. It could be an actual embellishment like tassels (see above) or rhinestones. Or it could be as simple as using leather or satin instead of canvas or some other cheap substitute.

This is the secret to having a shoe that can go back and forth from a maxi dress to a swimsuit.

Below are two flats. The one on the left is just a normal, casual flat while the other is one I’d consider ‘fancy’. Can you tell the difference?

The two shoes above are very similar, but because the one on the right uses leather instead of canvas and has a pointed toe, it looks fancier. Crazy how such a small change can make a big difference right?

Both shoes will look great with jeans, but only the one on the right will look good with fancier skirts, dresses, and even work pants.

Keep reading to see the top 3 reasons why fancy flats are so incredible.

The top 3 reasons why the fancy flat can be the only shoe in your closet:

It’s a flat, so it’s easy to walk in. If you have one shoe in your closet, it better to be easy on your dogs.

It’s fancy (or part of it is dressed up in some way) so the casualness of the low heel is contrasted with the more formal embellishments or materials. These two qualities ying and yang to create the perfect shoe that can work just as well with jean shorts as it can a silk slip dress.

What’s en vogue changes enough, that by the time you wear out your pair of fancy flats, another pair will be on the market (which means you are always in style)

As you can tell, not all fancy flats have to be plain black (although that is pretty versatile!) Pick a pair that works well with the color scheme of your closet or opt for neutral colors like beige and black to get the most wear! They also don’t have to be fancy priced. The pair of mules I took to New York were less than $25. I’d say that’s a win-win.